One-stop shop to end today

CEBU, Philippines —  Traditional public utility jeepney (TPUJ) operators and drivers have until today, November 27, to avail of the services of the Cebu City’s one-stop shop for special permit application.

This was announced yesterday by Cebu City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco.

“It’s taking a toll on our employees, on the other agencies because katong mga personnel pud nila will have to attend to other LGUs (local government units) also. So kutob rana karon nga end of the week ang processing nato,” said Cuenco.

“By next week, others who still want to catch up, moapas, didto na sila sa old procedure nga tagsa-tagsa na silang adto... Moadto ka’g LTO, moadto kag LTFRB,” he added.

This means that starting next week, TPUJ operators and drivers will not be accommodated in one area anymore in complying with the requirements to be able to be allowed to return in the city streets.

The one-stop shop is located on Xiamen Street, North Reclamation Area, where an inspection is being conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).

“I hope the PUJ operators and drivers will take advantage of the remaining time left until this Friday. After that, they can go their own way na,” said Cuenco.

Of the targeted at least 1,300 jeepney units to be allowed to return to the city streets, Cuenco said, at least 30 percent underwent all the screening process.

Out of the 30 percent, about 15 to 20 percent passed, he added.

“The process has been going on smoothly mainly due to the fact nga until now low gihapon ang turnout, so hapsay kaayo,” said Cuenco.

As of Thursday, November 26, there are 141 TPUJs granted with Balik Pasada Permits.

These are jeepneys taking the Guadalupe, Lahug, Labangon, Mambaling, Basak, and Pardo-Bulacao routes, among others. - JMD (FREEMAN)